Assessment of skill and technology indicators at the macro-micro levels in Sudan
Samia S. O. M. Nour
#2011-031
In this paper we examine skill and technology indicators at the macro
and micro levels in Sudan. Different from the Sudanese literature, a
novel element in our analysis is that we use new primary data from the
macro and firm surveys and we provide a new contribution and fill the
gap in the Sudanese literature by examining five hypotheses on the
causes and consequences of low skill and technology indicators at the
macro and micro levels in Sudan. We verify our first hypothesis that the
interaction between the deficient educational system -caused by low
quality of education- and the high share of unskilled workers leads to
poor provision of training; low skill levels; skills mismatch; low
transfer of knowledge/external schooling effect; weak technology
indicators and dependence on foreign technologies at the micro level. We
confirm our second hypothesis that the poor local technology
indicators/indigenous capability to build the local technology and heavy
dependence on foreign technology can be attributed to lack of R&D
activities/efforts, due to a lack of funding, low skill levels, weak
linkages, lack of networks systems and collaboration between
universities and industry/firms, low transfer of knowledge and a lack of
entrepreneur perspective. We support our third hypothesis that the
transfer of knowledge/external schooling effects is successful at the
micro level but unsuccessful at the macro level due to low educational
qualifications and deficient educational and training systems. We
confirm our fourth hypothesis that skill and technology indicators are
significantly determined by firm size and industry. We support our fifth
hypothesis concerning the consistency of upskilling plans at the
macro-micro levels. Finally, one advantage and interesting element in
our analysis is that we provide a new contribution to the Sudanese
literature, since we explain the causes, consequences and interaction
between the low skill and technology indicators and the transfer of
knowledge. We recommend further efforts to be made to improve skill and
technology indicators and transfer of knowledge at the macro and micro
levels which are all essential for economic growth and development in
Sudan.
Keywords: Skill, technology, firm size, industry, Sudan
JEL classification: J24, L25, O12, O15, O30